UPDATE: An 8-year-old boy named Gurshabad Singh tragically drowned in a swimming pool at a display home in Kialla, Victoria, just weeks before his ninth birthday. The incident occurred on September 24, 2023, around 7 PM, leaving the community in deep mourning and raising urgent calls for enhanced pool safety measures.
Gurshabad’s father, Talwinder Singh, has shared devastating details about the loss of his son, who had autism and wandered off during a family gathering nearby. In a heartfelt plea, he is advocating for mandatory coverings on pools at vacant homes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities confirm that Gurshabad was found unresponsive in the pool of a G.J Gardner display home, approximately 30 minutes south of Shepparton. Emergency services were unable to revive him. “He just jumped into the water,” Mr. Singh stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to safeguard children.
The community is reeling from this heartbreaking loss. A neighbor remarked that everyone feels shaken by the incident, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on local families. Mr. Singh’s plea for stricter regulations comes on the heels of existing laws in Victoria, which mandate that all pools with more than 30 centimeters of water have compliant safety barriers, including self-latching and self-closing gates inspected every four years.
Despite these regulations, the tragic death of Gurshabad has reignited discussions about whether current safety measures are sufficient. G.J Gardner, the company responsible for the display home, expressed devastation over the incident, confirming that the pool adhered to all safety standards.
An official report is currently being prepared for the coroner, and Gurshabad’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Melbourne. This tragedy has not only affected the Singh family but has also sparked a broader dialogue about pool safety and the urgent need for preventative measures to protect vulnerable children.
As authorities and community members reflect on this tragic event, Mr. Singh’s calls for action resonate louder than ever. The heartbreaking loss of Gurshabad Singh is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance around water safety, especially in homes that may not be occupied.
With the emotional weight of this incident still fresh, the community is left to grapple with the painful reality of losing a young life. As discussions continue, many are left wondering what steps will be taken next to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
